Hi everyone. I am back. Just wanted to say that this chapter is not edited, my BETA sent the edited one, but I just can't find it right now.

So no flames because of the bad spelling or grammar, please.

Enjoy!

Chapter 24

Hermione didn't like disturbing the house elves in the kitchens, but she was famished. All the nerves, anger and silly husbands really drained her. So after a short debate her growling stomach voted in favor of the disturbance and this time Hermione headed to the kitchen.

The elves were like in seventh heaven upon seeing her. A chance to serve the Mistress personally was a great honor to them. So the plate of food and the assortment of the various meals that appeared before the Gryffindor were impressive. When she finally left the kitchens Hermione was so full that she could barely walk, but the little creatures still made her take some snacks for later. Just in case.

The library was still one of the places where Hermione could relax. Here everyone minded their own business. That was exactly what she needed. A little peace and quiet.

Just as she got comfy in the History of Magic section (a place that had always next to none visitors save Hermione) she received a visitor.

"Studying?"

Hermione wanted to groan.

"Yes, Harry. I am."

"Well… So… How are you?"

"Just peachy. What do you want?"

She didn't even lift her head to look at him.

"What did Malfoy want from you?"

"I fail to see how it is any of your concern."

"I am your friend."

"You were my friend, Harry."

"You are not being fair, Hermione."

"That's a bit rich coming from you."

"I didn't ask you to marry bloody Snape."

Now Hermione put down her quill and looked at the teen leaning on one of the shelves.

"What do you care whom I married, Harry? You weren't concerned when I was freaking out after receiving the petitions. Don't tell me you didn't know McGonagall reported it, didn't she? So why now? Why all the fuss?"

"Why you didn't marry Percy?"

Hermione rubbed her temples tiredly.

"Harry, are you really this daft, or are you just pretending?"

"That was uncalled for."

"Really? Never mind that. Let me rephrase it. Do you know what my goal in life is, Harry? Who I want to be?"

There was an uncomfortable silence. What did she expect? Hermione wanted to laugh at that.

"I want to be a Researcher. That's what I want to be. It means long hours of reading ancient books. I would have to excel in Potions and Charms. Be good in Transfiguration and Care of Magical Creatures, Defense and Ruins. It's perfect for me. No strict working hours and an annoying boss. I could work at home. Work along side with Curse Breakers, various Professors and Masters. Relaying on my researches Spell Crafters would create new spells or charms."

"So?"

"So that means lots of work. Devotion. Study. Time. Something I couldn't do while being trapped in the kitchen. "

"Percy…"

"Is an ass, Harry. Have you even read the bloody Law? No? Silly me. Than let me in light you. I have no rights after signing. I have to do what my husband says. I can't get a job or leave for a longer time without his permission. And I want to become a Researcher. That what marriage to Snape gave me. I know he is not a Prince Charming, but he respects me and that's a start. He will let me live my dream."

"I don't believe you. Percy can be a right git sometimes, but he would have allowed you to do what you want. He loves his job more than anything so he would have expected you also to have a career."

"Oh, get a reality check, Harry. Percy lives in the middle ages where woman is nothing more that a housewife and a mother. It is not my idea of life."

"It is not true. He is a workaholic not some maniac."

"Come on, Harry. Say it. I can see you want to. Say that I am lying. After all it does sound fishy, doesn't it? It would be too much to ask to take my word for it?"

"You lied before." Harry eyes were cold and angry.

Hermione sighed. There was no use trying to talk some sense into him.

"If you say so." She laughed sadly. "You are such a good friend, Harry. It makes me so glad that I had faith in you when everybody thought you were lying."

"It is not that same, Hermione."

"It is exactly the same, but it is just my opinion. It is not worth much, is it?"

"Listen to yourself. It is too fantastic to believe."

Hermione shocked her head and turned back to her work.

"Yes, don't open the Chamber of Secrets, Harry. There might actually be a Basilisk on the other side."

She heard him leaving. His steps echoing thru the empty library.

……………………………………………………………………………………….

Few hours and all of her snacks later Hermione was still engrossed in the work and didn't notice a familiar shadow looming over her.

Suddenly she felt as a hand landed on her shoulder.

Hermione with a yelp she stood up knocking the chair over and drew her wand out in one fluent motion.

"For fucks sake, Severus! Did you have to scare me like this?" She hid her wand and picked up the chair. He only scowled.

"Are you going to sleep here?"

"There are no beds, if you haven't noticed and besides I doubt that Madam Pince would let me."

He ignored her cheek.

"It is almost curfew."

Hermione slowly gathered her books and notes. Her bag was heavy. With a sigh she tore it from the ground and was about to walk as she felt that somebody took the bag from her.

"What do you put in it? Rocks?"

"Give it back, Severus. I didn't ask for your help."

The Gryffindor tried to take the bag back but was stopped by a glare from the Slytherin. She instinctively took a step back brought hands protectively to her chest.

Seeing this Severus gritted his teeth. 'Doesn't she get that I wouldn't hurt her? Ever.' Without saying a word he took her hand and turned to leave the library

"Let go." Hermione tried to brake free from his grip.

The man yanked her hand and Hermione came crashing into his chest. She felt his breath by her ear.

"Don't you dare to cause a scene. I am in no mood for your antics."

The trip to the dungeons was silent. Hermione was angry and offended at the treatment.

The few unlucky students that they met on the way scrambled away as quickly as possible upon seeing her husband's mood. Hermione herself would have probably made the run for it herself if he hadn't been holding her hand.

As soon as the door to their quarters closed Hermione yanked her hand free. She was angry, tired and confused, but before she could open her mouth Severus spoke.

"I don't want you to walk away without telling me where you are going ever again. Is that clear?"

"Crystal, sir."

Hermione gritted her teeth. 'What the hell is his problem?'

"Good. Now, are you hungry?"

At that the Gryffindor almost lost her temper. 'How can he do it? Act like nothing happened?'

"What is wrong with you today, Severus?"

She watched as he ordered food from the kitchens by floo. The Slytherin looked calm.

"Nothing is wrong."

She wanted to punch him.

"You could have fooled me with all the glares and sneers."

Her comment was ignored.

"Severus, look at me. Is it about Malfoy?"

"Nothing is wrong, Hermione. Come eat or the food will get cold."

"The atmosphere around you is a little too dark for everything to be alright."

The Slytherin simply started eating.

"How was your day?"

Hermione tried another approach. "It was one big nightmare. Did you know that Malfoy Sr. had been appointed our new Professor?"

"I heard about that."

"And because you failed to inform me about it I got a detention."

Severus' hand with a fork midway to his mouth and then went down.

"What?"

"A detention with Professor Malfoy. Tomorrow after dinner. I was a bit surprised to see him waltz into the class this morning."

Severus sneered.

"Did he say anything to you?"

"No. Actually he was almost… nice. So don't tell me that's everything is all right. Why is he here?"

"I think this question is for the Headmaster, not me."

"Is that why you like this? Because of the Albino?"

"Eat your food."

"I am not hungry."

"You need to eat."

"I need answers."

"There is nothing wrong."

"Right…"

………………………………………………………………………………………………..

An hour later Hermione was soaking in a hot bath. Her long chocolate hair surrounding her head like a hallow.

'What a horrible day. First Malfoy as a Professor, now Severus is all broody.'

Talking to her husband was like talking to a wall. He said nothing informative. But it was written all over his face that he was unsatisfied with something. It drove Hermione up the wall.

She dived under the water for a few seconds. Nothing like a good long soak in a scented hot water.

Knock. Knock.

Hermione reemerged and groaned wiping the bubbles from her eyes.

"What!"

"Are you going to be there long?"

"Yes!"

"I need something from there."

'I am not going to get up. No way.'

"So come and get it!"

For a minute there was silence.

"Are you decent?"

'That was sweet. My husband is concerned about my modesty.'

"Is there a problem is I am not?"

At those words door opened and Severus stepped in. Hermione watched him from the corner of her eye while starting to lather her hair. She was out of the water just enough for the swell of her breasts to be visible covered by a thick layer of bubbles.

"Severus? Yahoo? Are you there?"

Hermione's voice shocked Severus from the trance that he was in.

"Severus?"

"Yes?"

His voice sounded a little stained. The corner of her mouth twitched.

'See anything you like, Severus?'

"So what do you want?" That sounded matter-of-factly and ambiguous.

"What?" His eyes were surprised.

'Don't get your hopes up, Severus.'

"You said you needed something. Hurry up. You are creating a draught."

Hermione calmly watched as her husband picked something from the cabinet and left.

She knew that he was going to get back at her for the teasing, but it was nice to have the upper hand once in a while.

So how is it? Review?